A New Year's Resolution

"And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.  And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground." Luke 22:39-44


   As the start of a new year approaches, our goals and resolutions for the new year have been drafted, if not already finalized.  So many have already declared 2012 to be a year of blessing and prosperity as they say goodbye to a year that brought so many trials and storms.  Each year, I hear this positive declaration (and by all means, there is nothing wrong with this), yet year after year, it seems as though the trials have only became stronger as new valleys are experienced.  I am sure this year will have its victories and triumphs, but I am certain that it will also have its testings for we know that victories don't come without a battle first.
   When Jesus was about to go to His death on the cross, he prayed to God to let that cup of pain and agony pass from Him. His flesh did not want to go through what He knew He was about to go through.  He was vulnerable just like you and I.  Yet, Jesus did not stop there. He prayed the most powerful prayer one could pray to God, Nevertheless, not my will, but your will be done.  Many times, we also ask the same thing from God. Lord, let me avoid the trial. Keep me from that heartbreak. Keep me from that situation.  Don't let me experience sadness and weakness.  But our prayer too must evolve and mature into the words of our perfect Savior. Nevertheless not my will, but your will be done Lord.
     This year, there will be storms that we have never experienced before and new valleys to navigate.  We will have moments of frustration mixed up with the blessings. In this new year,  we must determine  in our spirits to push forward no matter the circumstances and follow God's leading. With this said, I make a new declaration, a new resolution within my heart.  Lord, this coming year, no matter what may come my way, through storm or triumph, sadness and joy, strength and weakness, I make my resolve to keep pushing forward and maintain my spirit of worship. Lord, I may not have all my prayers answered this year, but nevertheless, not my will, but your will be done.  I know many of us are tired from the battlefield, but now is not the time to rest or give up. Our ultimate victory is closer than before.So let us not shy away from the storms, but face them head-on.  Let us send a message to the enemy that come what may, we are prepared and equipped to weather the storm. After all, we already know the ending. My prayer is that God bless you and prosper you and that your prayers be answered, but my prayer also is that if this year does not go how you want it to,  that you will bless God anyways and keep pressing toward the mark.  Remember, everything is for a reason and for a season.  Just as Jesus was strengthened and ministered supernaturally to by an angel in the midst of his trial, you too will be gifted with supernatural strength from God.The deeper the valley, the more strength and grace our God will provide you. The fiercer the storm, the sweeter the victory.   May God's grace continue to keep you this year and may His power work more perfectly in you.

April